Mastantuono’s injury forces Xabi Alonso to change Real Madrid’s attack against Liverpool in the Champions League

Real Madrid faces an important loss for the clash against Liverpool, scheduled for this Tuesday (4), at 5pm (Brasília time), at Anfield, in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase. Argentine striker Franco Mastantuono, 18, was diagnosed with pubalgia after medical examinations carried out this Monday (3) at the Valdebebas training center.

The injury, common in high-intensity athletes, forces coach Xabi Alonso to review the team’s offensive lineup, which leads La Liga with a recent unbeaten record. Mastantuono, signed from River Plate for 45 million euros, had become a frequent player in the right attack, participating in 12 games this season with one goal and one assist.

The merengue club confirmed the diagnosis in an official statement, without stipulating an exact recovery period, but indicated that the case will be monitored by the medical team. This absence comes at a critical moment, with Real Madrid undefeated in the first three rounds of the Champions League, scoring nine points.

The match on English soil represents Xabi Alonso’s return to Anfield, the stadium where the coach played for six years as a player. Liverpool, current Premier League champion, is looking to recover after recent fluctuations in European competition.

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Tactical adaptation under Alonso’s command

Xabi Alonso, who took over at Real Madrid at the start of the season, implemented a 4-3-3 formation with an emphasis on speed through the wings. Mastantuono occupied the right-wing position, alternating with Rodrygo and Arda Güler, and his absence forces immediate adjustments.

The Basque coach, known for managing young talent, prioritized rotation in attack to preserve intensity. With Mastantuono out, options like Endrick, the 18-year-old Brazilian, gain space to play deeper, despite his natural role as a center forward.

Kylian Mbappé, the team’s top scorer with 19 goals in 14 matches, remains the central reference, but competition on the left wing involves Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. Alonso has tested variations in recent training sessions, aiming to maintain a balance between defense and attack.

Mastantuono’s history at Real Madrid

Franco Mastantuono arrived at the club in August, shortly after turning 18, and quickly joined the main squad. In 689 minutes played up until the weekend, the Argentine demonstrated versatility, playing in La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions Leagues.

In the last game, against Valencia, he started and played the 90 minutes, making his presence felt in a 4-0 victory. His contribution included an assist in a previous game, highlighting game vision and short dribbling.

The young man, trained in River Plate’s youth categories, signed a contract until 2030 and has already attracted praise from Alonso por his adaptation to European football. The injury interrupts a sequence of starts that positioned him as a bet for the season.

Before pubalgia, Mastantuono had only missed two games due to technical choice: against Real Sociedad and Barcelona. His performance included 37 minutes in the last three matches, reflecting the coach’s cautious management.

Impact of the injury on the European sequence

Pubalgia, or sports hernia, results from muscle overload in the pelvic region and can require four to eight weeks of treatment, depending on the severity. In the case of Mastantuono, Real Madrid opted for physiotherapy and initial rest to avoid chronicity.

The Merengue team, which won the first three Champions League matches against Juventus (1-0), Kairat (3-0) and another unspecified opponent, has nine points and occupies fifth place in the table. Victory over Liverpool would maintain the unbeaten momentum.

Alonso called up 22 players for the trip to England, excluding Mastantuono, as well as injured players such as Dani Carvajal and David Alaba. The list includes returns such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, ex-Liverpool, who could debut as a starter at right-back.

Options to replace the Argentine in attack

Endrick emerges as the main alternative for the right wing, with his speed and sharp finishing. The Brazilian, signed from Palmeiras, has played 45 minutes this season and is looking for consolidation.

• Rodrygo Goes: Versatile, played 70 minutes against Valencia and offers balancesober with defense.
• Arda Güler: Recovered, the 20-year-old Turkish competes for the position with precise passes.
• Brahim Díaz: Bench option, with 28 recent minutes and dribbling in short spaces.
• Jude Bellingham: Can advance in the middle, freeing up space for Mbappé and Vinícius.

These changes aim to preserve Real Madrid’s average of 3.3 goals per game in the Champions League. Alonso emphasized in a press conference the importance of squad depth for intense rounds.

Historic clash between Real and Liverpool

The teams face each other for the eighth time in the modern Champions League era, with the Merengues advantage of seven wins against four defeats. The last duel, in November 2024, ended 2-0 for Liverpool at Anfield.

Real Madrid have won two of their last four visits to Anfield, including a 5-2 in 2023. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, have won three of their last five home games in the competition but are wobbling with two recent defeats.

Xabi Alonso returns to the stadium where he scored 19 goals in 210 games between 2009 and 2015. Trent Alexander-Arnold, controversially transferred to Real, could face boos from the home fans.

The clash promises intensity, with Liverpool needing points after a draw in the third round. Real Madrid, with Mbappé in form, is betting on quick counterattacks.

Final preparation before Anfield

The cast trained on Mondayin Valdebebas, without Mastantuono, and embarked for Liverpool in the late afternoon. Alonso avoided an open session at Anfield, focusing on internal tactics.

The medical team monitors Mbappé, who suffered mild muscle fatigue, but confirmed his presence. Vinícius Júnior, with a hat-trick in his last European outing, leads the attack alongside Bellingham.

Liverpool arrives 2-0 up against Aston Villa, with a goal from Mohamed Salah. Giorgi Mamardashvili seeks first European clean sheet for the English club.